SECAUCUS – Voters approved the $27.4 million school construction project in a special election on Tuesday, Dec. 10, by a decisive 66 to 33 percent margin.

“The need for a new middle school was real,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “I'm disappointed in the voter turnout, but happy about the outcome. This new school will continue to move our children and our community in the right direction.”

Only 1,183 residents cast ballots on the referendum.

Now work can begin on a “true” middle school for the town, rather than one connected to the high school. The project will also open up classroom and other space in both the Huber Street and Clarendon elementary schools and Secaucus High School that can be used to accommodate the municipality’s increased school population.

The project includes construction of new academic classrooms, a technology lab, science classrooms, and a new main/guidance office.

The improvements would be financed by issuing bonds, school officials said.

Secaucus taxpayers will actually only be responsible for $20.4 million following the state’s $7 million contribution to the project. – Joseph Passantino